Free motion quilting question
 

One of my quilting goals for 2016 is to work on free motion quilting. Here is a picture of my 2nd quilt that turned into a quilting sampler. It's for charity and has a dog theme. I'm hoping by the end of the year I will have improved and that my stitches will be more even. Just wondering how much time quilters committed to fmq practice each week when they first started working on mastering the technique?

This looks outstanding! I haven't spent much time just practicing, but I do a lot of panels for my charity quilts. They are great for free motion practice. E.g. if it's an eagle on a patriotic panel, I outline all the feathers, etc. It helps to get my curves smooth.

Great quilting, just starting myself and have a long ways to go.

IMHO you did a great job with your FMQ. I haven't ventured much beyond meandering yet.

Re: practice time, I've read on this Board where some practice at least 15 minutes a day. If I could get into this routine, my FMQ ability would probably progress more. Ha.

No matter how much you practice you are going to do great by the looks of this one, you are definitely made to quilt.

When you are able to move the quilt at the same rate that the machine does, you have got it. It is being able to find the proper speed (and I don't mean FAST). Another trick is to look at the area you want to go to. It is so easy to stare at the needle but like driving, you have to look ahead so you don't miss a turnoff or a curve.

KOKO, your quilt feathers are beautiful.
It looks to me that you'll be an expert in no time. Enjoy your journey.

I don't get the opportunity to practice as much as I'd like but I will work on a few practice pieces before I set the quilt I'm ready to work on under the needle. ;)

Your quilt was the perfect practice piece, I think this looks great. Practice will perfect your stitches. I've found that I have to have a flat surface to my left and beyond so I have no drag on my quilt. Keep up the good work !

I haven't practiced a much as I should, but I did mug rugs for practice. I have become proficient at writing, which kind of amazes me. I even braved "cappuccino" :-).